COVID-19, a respiratory illness caused by the SARS-CoV-2 virus, has affected global health significantly. Asthma is a chronic respiratory condition characterized by inflammation and narrowing of the airways. Many people with asthma have wondered how these two conditions might interact and if a COVID-19 infection could worsen their asthma.
COVID-19’s Impact on Asthma Control
COVID-19, like other respiratory viruses, has the potential to trigger asthma symptoms or worsen existing asthma control. The virus can increase inflammation within the airways, leading to heightened bronchial hyperresponsiveness. This physiological response can result in more frequent or severe asthma attacks.
Individuals might experience a worsening of common asthma symptoms such as coughing, wheezing, shortness of breath, and chest tightness. Studies indicate that a notable percentage of asthmatic patients experienced asthma worsening after COVID-19, requiring an increase in their asthma medication. Many also reported increased inhaler use and poorer asthma management.
The extent of this impact can vary depending on an individual’s pre-existing asthma severity and how well it was controlled before infection. Therefore, maintaining consistent asthma management remains important.
Asthma and COVID-19 Severity Risk
Initial concerns were raised regarding whether having asthma increased the risk of severe COVID-19 outcomes, such as hospitalization or death. However, current research suggests that well-controlled asthma does not significantly elevate the risk of severe COVID-19 disease when compared to the general population.
Conversely, individuals with poorly controlled or severe asthma might face a higher risk of more severe COVID-19 outcomes. This increased vulnerability can also be influenced by other concurrent health conditions often present in those with severe asthma, including obesity or heart disease. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention indicates moderate to severe asthma may increase severity risk.
Some research even indicates a potential protective effect against severe COVID-19 in specific asthma phenotypes, such as T2-high asthma. Overall, the severity of COVID-19 in asthmatics depends on various factors beyond just the presence of asthma itself.
Protecting Your Lungs During COVID-19
Protecting your lungs during COVID-19 involves several proactive measures for individuals with asthma. Vaccination against COVID-19 and seasonal flu is recommended, as it can lower the risk of infection and severe outcomes. Adopting good hand hygiene practices and minimizing close contact with sick individuals also contributes to prevention.
Maintaining consistent asthma management is also a protective strategy. This involves continuing all prescribed asthma medications, including inhaled corticosteroids and bronchodilators, exactly as directed by a healthcare provider. Do not stop or modify these medications without professional medical advice, as discontinuing them can lead to dangerous asthma attacks.
Having a written asthma action plan is beneficial, providing clear guidance on how to manage symptoms and when to seek urgent medical attention. If a COVID-19 infection occurs, consulting with a healthcare provider for personalized advice and exploring suitable antiviral treatments is important. When experiencing respiratory symptoms, using a metered-dose inhaler with a spacer is preferred over a nebulizer to reduce the potential spread of virus particles.
Persistent Respiratory Issues After COVID-19
Even after the acute phase of a COVID-19 infection has passed, some individuals, including those with pre-existing asthma, may experience persistent respiratory issues. These lingering symptoms can include a prolonged cough, shortness of breath, and increased airway sensitivity.
For some, these ongoing respiratory challenges may manifest as new asthma-like symptoms, even if they had no prior history of asthma. Such long-term effects are known as “long COVID” or post-acute sequelae of SARS-CoV-2 infection (PASC). Research indicates that pre-existing asthma can increase the likelihood of developing long COVID symptoms.
If these respiratory symptoms persist or significantly interfere with daily life, seeking a medical evaluation is advisable. A healthcare professional can assess the situation and recommend appropriate management strategies to address these post-infection challenges. Addressing these issues can help improve lung function and overall quality of life.